About Autistica
Our Aim
Autistica seeks to use biomedical research to bring benefits to individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders.
Autistica is dedicated to raising and investing funds to support high-quality peer reviewed research which focuses on determining the causes and biological basis of autism spectrum disorders; improving diagnosis; and advancing and evaluating new treatments and interventions. We are committed to ensuring that increased understanding and new scientific knowledge will improve the quality of life for all those affected.
Autism is one of the most significant but least researched developmental disorders and Autistica has set itself the task of achieving major breakthroughs within ten years.
Autistica’s key science objectives are to discover:
- What causes autism spectrum disorders and how can we use that knowledge to ease the burden for families?
- What are the specific characteristics of ASD that are amenable and relevant to treatment?
- How can we improve early screening and diagnosis, and our understanding of how autism changes over time, in order to achieve timely and effective intervention?
The exact causes of autism are only now beginning to be understood, but we are confident that accelerating autism research will transform our understanding of autism and lead to more effective interventions and treatments.
Autistica was founded by autism campaigner and philanthropist, Dame Stephanie Shirley in 2004 to act as a catalyst in increasing funds available for biomedical autism research in the UK.
